What would you do for $200?

So I was listening to NPR yesterday while I was making my bed; specifically I was listening to the program Talk of the Nation in which they were discussing how economic incentives can help people in fulfilling a goal such as stopping smoking or weight loss. Suddenly I realized that this was the answer for me. I've always weighed more then I should and although I have lost around 30 pounds since Grace was born for the last year I've stayed at pretty much the same weight. Until, of course, this past holiday season when I put on 5 pounds. Anyway, I decided that Rob and I would have a little contest. Nothing like competition to spice things up. So here's our deal. The first person to lose 15 pounds gets $200 to spend on whatever they like. Originally I was thinking in the realm of $4-500 because I thought if I could entice Rob with an iphone he'd be much more likely to agree. However, prudent man that he is, (funny, its usually me being prudent) Rob suggested that we pick a more reasonable amount. As in one we could actually afford. Also, Rob requested that we have no 'loser' but rather a 2nd place finisher. We haven't decided what the 2nd place prize will be yet. Rob's suggestion which is under consideration is that the non-winner divide 200 by the number of pounds left to the goal and have that be their prize. Anyway, there's my project for the next few months. We picked 15 pounds because that's how much Rob wants to lose. My ultimate goal will be about double that. I'll have to think up something really lovely for myself to get the last 15 off. But for the time being, I'm excited to beat the pants off Rob. Wish me luck!

Memories

I made the mistake of pulling out some old boxes and going through them to see what was there. They were full of old memorabilia from my high school and college days and just now, hours later, have I repacked and put them away. I did find some useful things to keep out that I had forgotten I had. Of course, chances are they will be put away again next time I'm in the cleaning up and clearing away mood. Anyway, here are some pictures of the things I found. I can't remember the significance of some of the things (like the pot of fake sunflowers) and why I felt like I needed to keep them. However, they are all small and easy to pack up so I'm sure they'll be around a fews years from now when I feel the urge to look back and remember those good ol' times. 

These first two pictures will have things in them that some of you might recognize. At least those of you who have ever lived with me.

Colette, you might remember that little fox that Brandon gave to me how many years ago now? Hopefully by now you've forgiven me for going on a date with the boy you liked! 

My family and cousins might recognize this little plate. When Rob and I were married we had no furniture so my parents kindly gave us some chairs to sit on. One of the chairs was actually a chair from Grandma Vy's house that she had given to my mom. Anyway, one day I was cleaning out under the cushions and found this little plate. If I remember, there was a whole tea set that we used to play with all the time at Grandma's house. 

Sam, Upon Waking from his Nap

"Mom, I'm really hungry."

Me: (reading my book) Hmm?...oh, just a minute.

Sam: (sigh) ok

few minutes later

Sam: Mom, I'm really hungry. Can you get me a snack?

Me: (still reading) later sweetie

few minutes later

Sam: (wailingly and loud) Mom, I don't want to STARVE!

Famous...Again!

The male half of the Packer family is certainly getting their faces out into the community. People living in Pullman will be enticed to sign their children up for swimming lessons with this picture in the Parks and Recreation catalogue (scroll down to page 29)

Any Year that Starts with a Day at the Beach has Gotta be a Good One!